Capital City Parent

If the song is correct and “the children are our future,” it stands to reason that the quality of life experienced by children will have an impact on that future. Each year, the advocacy group Voices for Illinois Children releases its Illinois Kids Count report, compiling statistics from throughout the state indicating the well-being of […]

If you’re a parent, August’s school bell rings bittersweet. You have to love the schedule, but at the same time, stress kicks in – from getting all the supplies to packing those lunches. So how can you start the school right from with good nutrition for your child? Think about lunches like a well-planned puzzle. […]

A 2015 study by Common Sense Media reported that 80 percent of 10-year-old girls have been on a diet. More than half of girls ages six to eight said they wanted to be thinner. Dieting, besides being a self-esteem killer, is a huge distraction for girls in the midst of growing up and learning about […]

In the past 20 to 30 years, childhood obesity has been on the rise. There are many causes, and they look very familiar to most of us. Kids have more access to video games and other different screens. Families have gotten busier, with both parents working and kids on the go with more activities. Fewer […]

In 2015, Trinity Lutheran School in Springfield began examining what a successful graduate would look like in a future vastly different from the school’s foundational days. The journey of discovery was both deep and wide, and the destination would be a new design for Christian education. This fall, 157 years since the humble start described […]

As walk-in clinics and telemedicine appointments abound, parents are often tempted by the quick and convenient care afforded by the quick, retail-based clinics. But having a primary care physician or pediatrician – a medical home – for your kids is a prescription for good health. In fact, building a long-term, ongoing relationship with a pediatrician […]

Back to schoolAug 10, 1-4pm. Resource fair and kids learn-and-play event featuring giveaways of children’s backpacks, shoes and haircuts. Pre-registration required. Free. contactministries.com. Contact Ministries, 1100 E. Adams St., 753-3939.   Illinois State FairAug 10-20. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway with carnival and games, exhibitions and more. Admission. illinois.gov/statefair. […]

While Springfield has struggled for years to get a children’s museum up and running, Peoria has found the right formula for fun. At the Peoria PlayHouse, kids can splash away at a massive water table, send colorful balls whooshing through tubes and create music merely by crossing a bridge. It being Peoria, they also can […]

As children grow, their wardrobes constantly need to be replenished. If you’re on a budget, you’ll likely appreciate some tips for saving money on their clothes. Shop secondhand Hitting up garage sales, scrolling through online swap sites and browsing through thrift stores can rack up some big savings. Garage sales are perennial favorites for frugal […]

James Aikman was surprised more people didn’t think he was crazy when he announced plans to build a wildlife park. Located between Arthur and Arcola, the 40-acre park opened in March 2016 on the former Rockome Gardens property. Since opening, Aikman Wildlife Adventure has drawn more than 32,000 visitors. “I’m pleased with the reception we’ve […]

There are many opportunities in the Springfield area for enriching, educational and fun activities for kids this summer. From art to science to history, horseback riding, babysitting, sports, nature, cooking, technology, swimming, skating, theater, special needs, ecology and more, there is something for children of all ages. Boy Scouts of America – Camp Bunn and […]

Camp, road trips and family visits do a great job of keeping everyone engaged throughout summer. But what about those lazy days when nothing is planned? Every parent wants to enjoy kicking back when school is out, but too much lollygagging can lead to listlessness and squabbling. Staying engaged this summer does not have to […]